Say their name and acknowledge their loss
Keep your message simple and sincere
Express sympathy directly
Offer specific help if you can provide it
Listen more than you speak
Let them share memories if they want to
Avoid clichés and forced positivity
Do not compare their loss to anything else
Respect their silence and emotions
Follow up later with a check-in
Use a gentle tone
Send a card, text, call, or visit depending on what feels appropriate
Keep your words honest and brief
Offer comfort without trying to fix their grief